Daniel Pierreval: From Challenge to Recovery with the ILAC Center

In 2021, close to the Haitian border in the Dominican Republic, Daniel Pierreval’s life changed in an instant. A motorcycle accident resulted in fractures to both his femurs and arms. Unable to afford surgical care, his initial treatment was casting of all four extremities. 

This unfortunately led to a deformed healing of his wrist. He was also left with significant deformity and instability in his legs and could not walk without crutches. More importantly, he could not work to support his family.

In January 2023, Daniel was sent to the ILAC center for evaluation by the RTFC ILAC Orthopedic team. Dr. Tavakolian from Eugene, Oregon assessed him and discovered that in addition to his wrist issue, both femurs were still fractured and misaligned. This prompted a comprehensive plan for surgery to repair his wrist and one of his femurs.

The ILAC orthopedic team, including Dr. Fitzpatrick from Oregon and Dr. Gomez from Santiago, collaborated to repair Daniel's right femur using a SIGN nail. Dr. Tavakolian and several Dominican resident surgeons addressed the wrist deformity the same day. 

But Daniel's journey to recovery didn't end with the surgery. Post-operative care was crucial. He was discharged the next day after receiving extensive rehabilitation guidance. Physical Therapist Julie Embree, along with Occupational Therapist Amie Angelastro, equipped Daniel with a regimen of home exercises designed for his unique recovery needs.

Daniel committed months to his rehabilitation exercises. Each day was a step forward, each exercise a move toward regaining his lost strength and mobility. Over time, his persistence bore fruit. He was not only able to walk on his own but could also effectively use his hands for various tasks. The culmination of his hard work was his return to work, once again becoming the pillar of support for his family.

With a future looking brighter, Daniel plans to return to the ILAC center next year to undergo corrective surgery on his left femur, continuing his journey of healing and resilience.

(Daniel’s story and photos used with permission)